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Schippers EE, Hoogsteder LM, de Vogel V. Theories on the Etiology of Deviant Sexual Interests: A Systematic Review. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2024:10790632241271308. [PMID: 39138133 DOI: 10.1177/10790632241271308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Not much is known about the etiology, or development, of deviant sexual interests. The aim of this systematic review was to provide a broad overview of current theories on the etiology of sexual deviance. We conducted a systematic search of the databases PubMed and APA PsycInfo (EBSCO). Studies were included when they discussed a theory regarding the etiology or development of sexual deviance. Included studies were assessed on quality criteria for good theories. Common etiological themes were extracted using thematic analysis. We included 47 theories explaining sexual deviance in general as well as various specific deviant sexual interests, such as pedophilia and sadism/masochism. Few theories (k = 7) were of acceptable quality as suggested by our systematic assessment of quality criteria for good theories (QUACGOT). These theories indicated that deviant sexual interests may develop as the result of an interplay of various factors: excitation transfer between emotions and sexual arousal, conditioning, problems with "normative" sexuality, and social learning. Neurobiological findings could not be included as no acceptable quality neurobiological theories could be retrieved. The important roles of excitation transfer and conditioning designate that dynamic, changeable processes take part in the etiology of sexual deviance. These same processes could potentially be deployed to diminish unwanted deviant sexual interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline E Schippers
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Larissa M Hoogsteder
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Vivienne de Vogel
- Forensic Care Specialists, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, section Forensic Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Lievesley R, Harper CA, Swaby H, Woodward E. Identifying and working with appropriate treatment targets with people who are sexually attracted to children. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2022:1-20. [PMID: 36522827 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2022.2149437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Research has shown that people within society experience sexual attractions to children, and a substantial number of these seek support related to this. However, professional practices around working with minor-attracted persons (MAPs) are variable. Clinicians possess low levels of knowledge about this population and are unclear about the correct treatment goals. In this work we explored the prioritization of different treatment goals by MAPs (n = 150), before investigating the demographic, sexuality-related, and psychological predictors of treatment target prioritization. Self-compassion drove many treatment targets among MAPs. We offer recommendations about how professionals might work collaboratively and effectively with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig A Harper
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Helen Swaby
- Department of Counselling, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, UK
| | - Ellie Woodward
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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Lehmann RJB, Brouillette-Alarie S, Pedneault A, Knight RA. Validating the Screening Scale of Pedophilic Crime Scene Behavior. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:4085-4096. [PMID: 35896938 PMCID: PMC9663345 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02354-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Screening Scale of Pedophilic Crime Scene Behavior (SSPC) is a seven-item structured rating scale assessing pedophilic sexual arousal. In the current study, we cross-validated the scale's convergent validity using multiple measures of sexual interest in children (clinical diagnosis of pedophilia, the high fixation/low social competence type of the MTC:CM4, and phallometric assessment of sexual interests toward children) in two independent samples (USA and Canada). In both samples and in relation to all three criteria, the SSPC showed acceptable (phallometry) to excellent (clinical assessment) diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, the SSPC showed incremental validity in relation to the Screening Scale for Pedophilic Interest and at times outperformed it in convergent validity analyses. The current study also provides psychometric information that can help users choose an appropriate SSPC cutoff score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J B Lehmann
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Institute of Psychology, Rüdesheimer Str. 50, 14197, Berlin, Germany.
| | | | - Amelie Pedneault
- Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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Bailey JM, Blanchard R, Hsu KJ, Revelle W. A map of desire: multidimensional scaling of men's sexual interest in male and female children and adults. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2714-2720. [PMID: 32476630 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720001476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men sexually interested in children of a specific combination of maturity and sex tend to show some lesser interest in other categories of persons. Patterns of men's sexual interest across erotic targets' categories of maturity and sex have both clinical and basic scientific implications. METHOD We examined the structure of men's sexual interest in adult, pubescent, and prepubescent males and females using multidimensional scaling (MDS) across four datasets, using three large samples and three indicators of sexual interest: phallometric response to erotic stimuli, sexual offense history, and self-reported sexual attraction. The samples were highly enriched for men sexually interested in children and men accused of sexual offenses. RESULTS Results supported a two-dimensional MDS solution, with one dimension representing erotic targets' biological sex and the other dimension representing their sexual maturity. The dimension of sexual maturity placed adults and prepubescent children on opposite ends, and pubescent children intermediate. Differences between men's sexual interest in adults and prepubescent children of the same sex were similar in magnitude to the differences between their sexual interest in adult men and women. Sexual interest in adult men was no more associated with sexual interest in boys than sexual interest in adult women was associated with sexual interest in girls. CONCLUSIONS Erotic targets' sexual maturity and biological sex play important roles in men's preferences, which are predictive of sexual offending. The magnitude of men's preferences for prepubescent children v. adults of their preferred sex is large.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Ray Blanchard
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin J Hsu
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - William Revelle
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Earleywine M, Denson TF, Altman BR. Replicating the Dimensional Structure of Cannabis Problems: A Taxometric Analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:81-86. [PMID: 33143496 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1840589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study employed taxometric procedures to replicate a previous report of the dimensional structure of problems related to cannabis consumption. Method: Over 4,000 cannabis users completed an assessment of psychological, social, occupational, and physical harms (the Marijuana Problems Scale). Three taxometric procedures (MAMBAC, MAXEIG, and L-Mode) compared the current data to simulations with a base rate of problematic cannabis use derived from representative, large-scale data estimates. Results: All three procedures confirmed the continuous, dimensional nature of these cannabis problems and suggested no underlying taxon or category. Conclusions: Psychopathological disorders, including some substance use problems, have fit categorical models suggesting that they differ in kind (rather than intensity) from the behavior of the rest of the population. Cannabis problems, however, appeared to lie along a continuum with other forms of use. Given heightened awareness for the necessity of replication and a changing legal landscape for cannabis, a second look at the dimensionality of these problems seemed warranted. New data with a larger sample and different indices of problematic use confirmed the dimensionality of cannabis problems. This replication can inform predictions about the etiology, prevention, and treatment of cannabis use disorder. Researchers should expect cannabis problems to range along a continuum without categorical distinctions. Dividing users into groups of problematic and non-problematic users likely sacrifices meaningful variance. Harm reduction strategies likely can benefit all users rather than a targeted taxon with troubles. In addition, interventions will likely progress by small, incremental steps rather than dramatic, categorical jumps in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitch Earleywine
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Thomas F Denson
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brianna R Altman
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
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Stoléru S, Moulier V, Fonteille V. Development and Preliminary Validation of the Pedophilic Fantasies, Desires, and Activities Questionnaire. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2020; 64:1134-1155. [PMID: 31658841 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x19883758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Although sexual interest in children is a risk factor for recidivism of sexual offenses against children, there is a dearth of measures for assessing its current level in patients with pedophilic disorder. The objective was to develop the Pedophilic Fantasies, Desires, and Activities Questionnaire (PFDAQ) to assess the current level of sexual interest in patients with pedophilic disorder. In total, 57 patients with pedophilic disorder and 53 controls were recruited. In addition to the PFDAQ, participants were presented with other measures of sexual interest. PFDAQ scores were significantly higher in patients than in controls and were correlated with other measures of sexual interest. Three PFDAQ scores were correlated with a phallometric index of preference for children. These results suggest that the PFDAQ may be valid and potentially useful for assessing the current level of pedophilic attraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge Stoléru
- Inserm U1178, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Virginie Moulier
- EPS Ville Evrard, Neuilly-sur-Marne, France
- Centre Hospitalier du Rouvray, Sotteville-lès-Rouen, France
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Breiling L, Rettenberger M, Turner D. The relevance of sexual biographies in individuals convicted of child sexual abuse offenses for the development of pedosexual interests and sexual recidivism. SEXUAL OFFENDING 2020. [DOI: 10.5964/sotrap.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the literature concerning the etiology of pedosexual interests, the potential role of early sexual experiences in childhood and adolescence has been discussed. Several studies demonstrated a link between own sexually abusive experiences in childhood and sexual offending later in life which tends to be even stronger for pedosexual offenders. Furthermore, some findings indicate associations between other developmental factors and deviant sexual interests in adulthood. For the present study, sexual biographical data of N = 223 imprisoned men convicted of sexual offenses against children from Austria was analyzed to retrospectively examine whether own sexually abusive experiences and non-abusive forms of early sexual experiences and behaviors are linked to subsequent pedosexual interests and to sexual recidivism. Previous findings concerning the link between own sexually abusive experiences during childhood and subsequent pedosexual interests could partly be replicated. Furthermore, early masturbation behavior characteristics as well as non-abusive prepubescent sexual experiences were linked to indicators of pedosexual interests and also to sexual recidivism. Exclusively pedophilic men showed the strongest accumulation of early sexual experiences and behaviors. Implications of the findings for theory and risk assessment are discussed.
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Abstract
Taxometric procedures have been used extensively to investigate whether individual differences in personality and psychopathology are latently dimensional or categorical ('taxonic'). We report the first meta-analysis of taxometric research, examining 317 findings drawn from 183 articles that employed an index of the comparative fit of observed data to dimensional and taxonic data simulations. Findings supporting dimensional models outnumbered those supporting taxonic models five to one. There were systematic differences among 17 construct domains in support for the two models, but psychopathology was no more likely to generate taxonic findings than normal variation (i.e. individual differences in personality, response styles, gender, and sexuality). No content domain showed aggregate support for the taxonic model. Six variables - alcohol use disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, problem gambling, autism, suicide risk, and pedophilia - emerged as the most plausible taxon candidates based on a preponderance of independently replicated findings. We also compared the 317 meta-analyzed findings to 185 additional taxometric findings from 96 articles that did not employ the comparative fit index. Studies that used the index were 4.88 times more likely to generate dimensional findings than those that did not after controlling for construct domain, implying that many taxonic findings obtained before the popularization of simulation-based techniques are spurious. The meta-analytic findings support the conclusion that the great majority of psychological differences between people are latently continuous, and that psychopathology is no exception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Haslam
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie J McGrath
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Kuppens
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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McPhail IV. Of Dimensions, Dichotomies, and Trichotomies: Comments on the Taxometric Ghost that Haunts Longpré, Guay, Knight, and Benbouriche (2018). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:19-23. [PMID: 31414331 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01530-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian V McPhail
- Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A5, Canada.
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Longpré N, Knight RA, Guay JP, Benbouriche M, Walters GD. Hunting for Snarks: A Reply to McPhail (2019a). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:25-30. [PMID: 31664553 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Longpré
- Department of Psychology, University of Roehampton, London, SW15 4JD, UK.
| | | | - Jean-Pierre Guay
- École de Criminology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, PQ, Canada
| | | | - Glenn D Walters
- Department of Criminal Justice, Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA, USA
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